Installed headlight bulb-question?

[Sparkie]

Just changed my first bulb on an 06 C-10. Does that big rubber boot that covers the area actually fit over something. I mean do the edges of the boot push over something or does the boot just butt up to the fairing. Theres one tab at the bottom of the boot but I can't see if it fits over something. Its a little hard to see in there to say the least. Mark

[gtr1000]

Yep, the rubber boot has a lip which fits over the rear of the headlight assembly with the tab at the bottom. The boot also has three slots in the back of it. Read on.....

Fit the bulb, fit the boot so that i) the three slots go over the bulb and ii) the boot goes snugly over the headlight assembly, then push the wiring harness plug onto the bulb.

[Sparkie]

Thanks. I'll try to push some more on it. Mark

[potshotpanda]

I just did the first headlight change on my 06 and, oh, what a joy.   I didn't think my arm could twist in such directions.   

For that rubber boot, it is marked "top" opposite the tab that you can see.   I just made sure the tab was at the very bottom and was able to get to boot on the lip without issue.   I also pulled on it lightly after I got it installed to ensure it was set on the lip correctly.

I actually found it easier to attack the light by reaching through the fork to the headlight assembly.   There is a bar across the back of the headlight access on my bike that blocked easy access from the headlight access panel at the bottom of the fairing.

Jeff

[Pfloydgad]

Sparkie,
Odviously, being a large rubber boot, it is there to keep both dust and water away from the bulb. But, it also keeps a bunch of heat in there.
I have had more then my share of problems with some poorly built H4 Silverstars made it on the market for sale. 4 this yr alone. Low beam wire weak. All replaced free at Wally World, and 2 from SS for my troubles.
So I have been running without the boot, and other then a little more light coming out from behind, It is a toss-up if you really need it.
Even after a hard rain, there was no water in that area, and new lithium electrical grease in the socket, does a fine job protecting the electrics.
So go commando or bag it, your choice, and skin.
Ride safer all, and ATGATT please.
Greg

[MAN OF BLUES]

I tend to disagree on tossing it, but then I ride in the rain....it sucks loosing a bulb from neglegence or lacking diligence...
The rubber should be installed, it ain't rocket science, simply pull the black side panel off to gain arm room and install it...if that is too difficult, you are in for a real awakening when you need to adjust the valves...

[Pfloydgad]

Rich, Commando is, well you know that one, I hope.
Bag it means to put it on, you know, it's "rubber".   
Just wanted to make sure we all knew what I meant.
Ride safe all.
Greg

[MAN OF BLUES]

I knew what you meant Greg    no problem...

it never rains in Ohio.....and you never get hurricanes....

been thinking of moving back there for that simple reason....getting tired of the hurricanes...

[Two Skies]

I knew what you meant Greg    no problem...

it never rains in Ohio.....and you never get hurricanes....

been thinking of moving back there for that simple reason....getting tired of the hurricanes...

Well, there was that real bad storm on the Great Lakes that there was a song about...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SS_Edmund_Fitzgerald

Ohio doesn't border any of the Great Lakes, though.  Tornadoes do find their way through the state, but that's pretty much a risk for most states east of the Rockies (they are much rarer events on the west coast).

Come to think of it, I think that the only thing the West Coast really worries about are tsunamis, volcanoes and earthquakes!

[billhook]

Ohio doesn't border any of the Great Lakes, though.

Really?  What's that big body of water that's along almost the entire northern border of the state, then?

[Pfloydgad]

Two Skies must think it is just a Mediocre Lake, since it doesn't cover the entire N section of the state. I'm only guessing here. 
RSA, and ATGATT, please.
Greg